Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
ASD is a life-long developmental condition that affects the way an individual relates to their environment and those around them.
The word ‘spectrum’ describes the range of difficulties that people on the Autistic spectrum may experience and the degree to which they may be affected. Some people may be able to live relatively normal lives, while others may have an accompanying learning challenges and require continued specialist support.
The main areas of difficulty involve social communication, social interaction and restricted or repetitive behaviourfs and interests. (autismspectrum.org.au).
Children on the Autistic Spectrum may have unusual sensory interests or sensitivities, intellectual impairment or learning difficulties.
ASD is diagnosed under different severities, Level 1 (least severe) Level 2 (moderately severe) and Level 3 (severe). This level is to be determined by a Paediatrician or Psychiatrist following thorough assessment.
Features of ASD:
Some features can include:
- Unusual intense or focused interests
- Poor eye contact
- Poor social skills
- Difficulties or exceptional skills with self-organisation
- Strict adherence to rules and daily routine
- Repetitive movements or repetitive use of objects, ie turning lights on and off constantly
- Speech and language difficulties
- Literal in their interpretations
- Difficulty understanding empathy, jokes and emotions
Cause:
Currently, there is no known cause for ASD, however it is believed that genetic factors can play a role. Upbringing and environmental factors do not cause ASD.
Treatment:
Although there is no cure for ASD, intervention with Psychologists, Speech Therapists, Occupational Therapists, other allied health professionals as well as medications if required can assist with a child’s overall progress.
Assistance at school through a teacher aide or Special Education Department can be useful and necessary for some children.
Some children with more severe ASD require enrolment with a Autism Queensland, AEIOU or Special School.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
What is ADHD?
The term Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is used to describe a neurodevelopmental disorder with a recognised and persistent pattern of behaviour. ADHD begins at birth and in most cases persists to some degree throughout the lifespan.
ADHD affects both sexes and all age groups. When a child is diagnosed with ADHD, hyperactivity and disruptive behaviour is likely to be playing a role in their behaviour.
What is the difference between ADD and ADHD?
Children who have ADHD are more likely to be hyperactive or prone to excessive restlessness, coupled with ADD symptoms. Children with ADD lack hyperactivity and have tend to mainly have difficulties with concentration. They can also be easily distracted.
The core features of ADHD include difficulties with:
- Keeping attention on the task at hand
- Avoiding distraction
- Getting started on tasks (procrastination)
- Maintaining mental effort to get the job done
- Remembering to do things
- Losing or misplacing things
- Being impulsive (acting without thinking things through)
- Planning and organising
- Making good use of time (including being on time)
- Managing emotions such as frustration and boredom
Cause:
Currently the cause of ADHD / ADD is unknown, however general consensus is that ADHD / ADD tends to run in families and is easily inheritable.
Treatment:
Children with ADD / ADHD often respond to various treatments including medication (if required). It is often recommended that allied health intervention, such as Psychology and Occupational Therapy can also be useful for behavioural modification.
Assistance at school through a teacher aide or Special Education Department can be useful and necessary for some children.
Global Developmental Delay
What is Global Developmental Delay?
Developmental delay is the term used when a young child is slower to develop physical, emotional, social and communication skills than is expected in children of that age.
Developmental delay can show up in the way a child moves, communicates, thinks and learns, or behaves with others. When more than one of these things is affected, the term ‘global developmental delay’ might be used.
Developmental delay might happen just in the short term or it might be long term or permanent.
Usually health professionals use the term ‘developmental delay’ only until they can determine the cause of the delay. If and when they find the cause, they’ll use a name that better explains the child’s condition.
Causes:
- Short and long term delays can occur in premature babies
- Short term delay can result from illness, hospitalisation, family stress or lack of opportunity to learn
- Substance abuse throughout pregnancy
- Genetic Disorder
- Permanent (long-term) delays can be caused by developmental syndromes including cerebral palsy, language delay, hearing impairment, intellectual disability, micro / macrocephaly and ASD
Treatment:
Treatment varies depending on the nature of the developmental delay, however usual treatment paths include:
- Psychology, speech therapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy and other allied health intervention
- Paediatrician input and diagnosis
- Audiology assessment
- Special Schools and Special Education Departments in mainstream schools